Biology:Hyla gratiosa

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Barking tree frog
Hyla gratiosa UMFS 2014 2.JPG
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Genus: Hyla
Species:
H. gratiosa
Binomial name
Hyla gratiosa
LeConte, 1856

Hyla gratiosa (barking tree frog) is a species of tree frog endemic to the southeastern United States .

Geographic range

It is found from Delaware to southern Florida and eastern Louisiana, usually in coastal areas.

Description

Hyla gratiosa is the largest native tree frog in the United States. It is 5 to 7 cm (2.0 to 2.8 in) in head-body length. It is variable in color, but easily recognizable due to the characteristic dark, round markings on its dorsum. Individuals may be bright or dull green, brown, yellowish, or gray in color. It has prominent, round toe pads, and the male has a large vocal sac.

Behavior

Eggs
Metamorph

File:Hyla gratiosa call.ogg The barking tree frog is known for its loud, strident, barking call. It may also utter a repetitive single-syllable mating call. It has been known to chorus with other frogs of the same and similar species.

The barking tree frog burrows in the sand, especially when the temperature is hot. It also spends time high up in trees, especially during the day when it is less active.

It breeds in shallow pools or ponds from March to August. It is a polygynous species, the female choosing the male on the basis of his call. Tadpoles can be nearly 5 cm (2.0 in) in length.

References

  1. Hammerson, G. 2004. Hyla gratiosa. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. Downloaded on 04 June 2013.

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q1911176 entry